On family...

Christmas is a time spent with family. It has always been a tradition for us to spend Christmas Eve with my mom's family and spend Christmas lunch with my dad's family. Sadly though, Christmas days have been less festive since my cousins have moved to the US.

This year however, the bu's entire family is home for the holidays! :) The bu and I have been together for a long time now and this year will be the first time I actually get to meet his oldest brother. :) I was actually pretty nervous about it. You see the whole time we've been together, although I haven't met him Kuya B has been the Bu's closest sibling. He looks up to the him and consults with him. He tells him the things happening in his life, the decisions he's been making. He's the bu's biggest influence and you have to understand how much pressure that is. It's like meeting the parents all over again.

The day I finally got to meet him was pretty hilarious too. He was taking a shower when we got in so I was already talking to Tito L when he came out and I said hi and we hugged. Then his next words were classic..."Sandali lang ha, hindi kita makita hindi ko mahanap salamin ko!" (hang on a moment, I can't see you cause I can't find my glasses) hahaha...that broke the ice and everything was smooth sailing from then. :)

I love kuya B and I'm super happy for the bu that his brother is finally home and they get to spend time together again! :) Can't wait to spend Christmas lunch with them. :) My dad's family is in the US this year and so we're spending Christmas lunch with the bu's family. :)

On working over the holidays.

Christmas is my most favorite time of the year! :) I love the happiness it brings, the outpouring of love, the time spent with family. Christmas to me has always been about one thing. Family.

This year however, I have work. It's a challenge to remain positive when everyone is on vacation mode and you're still in the office working like crazy. But then again, that's what this blog is all about. Pursuing the positivity in all the things happening. It's a new experience. Working on a huge party in Boracay. :) I get to see what the island is like leading up to the New Year. Then I get to come home to family just at the right time. :) I can't wait! See, there really is a silver lining in everything. What makes it even better? The fact that R and K will be on the island working and partying with me! :) It will be Epic! :)

So will take loads of photos and share them with you as well. Which reminds me, I have to upload the ones that I took during my last events. Will definitely do that soon.

Spinning and spinning...

I haven't had the time to get a write up together for the series of events I did last week. But we have one more event to go this weekend then we can all rest a day each next week.

Anyway, will get to it next week.

But wish us luck...this weekend's going to be a big one! Let's go team!

Luzon, Mindanao, Visayas then back home...

I'm getting ready for a really long week ahead. I have three major events that I'll be handling. It's going to be a lot of fun albeit A LOT of work. I'm excited and yet at the same time I'm scared. I know everything is working out and well the team is hard at work! :) So happy to have so many people involved and invested in these projects just like me! :)

We can do this!!!

Will update more through out my trip! :)

Busy...

I hate the word busy...I hate hearing it, I hate saying it. It's such an unfriendly word...or tone for that matter but it's something I've been all too familiar with recently. I haven't had time to take a breather and every time I seem to get a few minutes to myself something else comes up. hahaha...I'm not complaining. It's challenging and it makes me push myself harder, way past the limit. The silver lining, I get to share this experience with about 12 other people. :) We're in it to win it! :)

I should really get into the habit of blogging about the events I've been doing. That way, we can all share in the things I've been busy about. Next time then.

Oh how the Holidays have come...

In the Philippines where I have lived all my life it has been customary to start celebrating Christmas once the BER months hit. Meaning once September 1 comes all the establishments start playing Christmas tunes. I kid you not...

Usually for someone in the service industry that also means a huge influx of work, not that I'm complaining. Recently I've been swamped in work that my life has been on hold. Hahaha...as usual. Such is customary for someone in the service industry, how fortunate of me to have people who love me enough to support and understand me when I'm not there half the time and pick me up where ever I am the other half of the time. Yes, I am blessed.

Anyway, as I was saying. I have been working non-stop for the past how many weeks I've actually lost track. Suffice to say it's been crazy, so when the opportunity to pack my bags and escape for a weekend away from work came along I jumped on it without looking back. And this is where my story begins. :)

I have been trying to learn how to surf for the past two years. Let me explain. I've had numerous attempts at surfing and I actually love the sport but the fact that I don't get to go out as often as I want to and that I am such a -frady cat has kept me from actually progressing. I am still a beginner...that only means It's a whole lot of push me fun every time I head out.

Well, the last long weekend brought me, the bu and our friend Colin to Zambales. It was such a fun drive! :) Albeit long due to the amount of people travelling at the same time. I had so much fun! :) We were supposed to stay at a cousin's place, let's just say...I was freaked out so we crashed in another cousins house. It was sooo much fun. An adventure to say the least! :) Here are a few shots I thought would be nice to share. :)



My aunt and uncle who let us crash in their place! :)



the bu walking out to catch some waves...



Colin riding one...

Vacation...faux-cation

What a lovely birthday week it has been. :) I was finally able to head off to the beach with the people I love. :) It was amazing...if only I didn't have to work the entire time. hahaha...that and the weather! :P But I'm not complaining. I am still thankful that I was able to go and that I was able to spend time with my bu! :) What is love...:)

Of Birthdays and Love! :)

I am loved! :) A feeling I wish never to take for granted. :)

I celebrated my birthday yesterday. It was amazing. From spending Friday dinner with my wonderful inaanak (God Daughter) and then getting drunk with my best girls, spending the day with my bu and family and ending the day by drinking with new found friends. It was amazing. :)

I would share photos but sadly I don't have them on hand yet. Will be spending the coming week in the beach so will be sure to have tons then! :) Extended celebration! :) Love.

Til then...hope everyone has a great week ahead of them!

Bids...Bids...Bids...

Working in events is not what everyone thinks it is. The perception most people have is that all we ever do is party. Well...that may be true for some part of the job but most of the time, we're at the office thinking of new ways to reinvent the ordinary. :)

When I graduated from college I didn't really know what I wanted to do. I was...undecided. I think most college kids feel that way except for the few, overachievers, most kids just go through college then wing it their first few years after. At least that's what I think. hahaha...

On the other hand though, what I know for certain was that I didn't want to be stuck behind a desk doing the same thing over and over again. That wasn't the life for me. I have a short anecdote about that and well, I don't think I want the whole world to know about it yet. In time...:P

So for the first couple of years after college, I was spoiled enough to be able to travel, take my time in looking for a job, and basically just enjoy myself. It was a good thing I eventually figured out I couldn't stand being home all day and that well, I was wasting away just staying there anyway.

So I went into teaching. I loved kids and of all the practicum hours I put in teaching was the most fun I had. So that's what I did and for a year and a half I loved what I was doing. The kids were amazing, the management however was not. So after the school year we all decided it was time to move on.

That was when I started working in events. I took a 2 week break then went on to work with my first events company and I had a blast. :) It was a lot of new experiences and to tell you honestly, it was a big change. That's when I realized, doing events is not all about the partying. It was a lot of hard work.

Now I moved into a different kind of events company. I used to work in a wholesome company, we mainly focused on family events. I now work in a more lifestyle events company. It's a whole different ballgame and a whole lot of fun. :)

My role now is that I get to do the pitches. I think of things, brainstorm with the team. Put it all together in a presentation and hope to God I get the account. :) It's been pretty good so far. I've been having fun. I'm learning a lot and well...it's what working in an events company is all about anyway...bids, bids and even more bids. :)

So wish me luck as I work on even more bids. :) I want more accounts! hahaha

Adam Lambert in Manila! :)

Today is an extremely busy day for me. Sofia's party today at 3 but I promised atch I'd go early then I'm leaving around 5 for the Adam Lambert concert! :) woot woot!

One of the perks of working where I work, free ticket! woohoo! One of my most favorite people in the world is in Manila and he's coming too! double woohoo boyfriend! We glam-ing it tonight! :)



See you guys there!

What a last two weeks it has been...

I've been buried in work the past two weeks and it's been crazy! haha...I had to do a lot of presentations, edit and re-edit them, work on the costs as well and then I had to attend all these meetings and to a media launch in between. Top it off with an event I had to attend to cause I was covering for an officemate. Yes, it has been crazy. hahaha...but that's not all...on a more personal note, I've been shuffling from hotel room to hotel room cause I've been spending time with my aunt who has been driven out of her house by her a** of a neighbor and on the days I'm not there I'm with my cousin who came in from the States...so there. I have been tied up. But at the end of it all, I'm still alive and that makes me happy! :)

Work has been fun! :) I am actually enjoying myself a lot. The work is really hard especially when the pressure of making all these things happen get to you. But then again it's what you live for. Challenging yourself, pushing yourself to the limit almost to the point of breaking but not really. Then you make it and you're there. You're right where you're supposed to be and you went through all that. Amazing feeling it gives you.

I did my first media event with the company and it was packed. So many people came that it was crazy. I missed that. :) I really wouldn't be able to do any of the things I've been doing had it not been for the people around me. I remember panicking and crying at the same time. Hahaha...then everyone just got me to where I needed to go. :) Amazing friends! :)

I guess at the end of all that work and all that crazy I'm just happy to be where I am. I am getting better at what I do. I am getting better at being patient...haha, trust me I need loads of it. But I am getting better at it. :)

Now, if only I could find the right time to celebrate! :) Going to the beach with family and friends two weeks from now! :) I am excited!

work work work...

I haven't been able to update my blog recently, been super busy with work. It's hard to sit down and concentrate on writing everything that's going on when you're doing two presentations, talking to four clients while overseeing 2 on going events! :) Juggling act in itself. So forgive the absence, I will write about everything soon!

Now back to work...and this is why I love my job, it keeps me on my toes! :)

My Take on Despicable Me! :)

I had been dying to watch this movie since first seeing it's trailer about a couple of months ago. It was too cute and well, I'm a sucker for cuteness. So the bu and I made sure we got to watch it as soon as it came out. So one Tuesday we went on a double date with Karla, my new friend, and her beau Gabo. :)

When I finally was able to see it, I wasn't that impressed. Ok, let me explain myself. I liked it, it was so so. I mean I have seen better and all that hype...it makes you have all these ideas in your head then bam...let down. Not good.

I liked Agnes, she really was what made the movie adorable. Her and the minions. But the story was a bit too dry for me. It was another one of those movies where you can already imagine the next scene...

I really hate it when the trailer is practically what the whole movie is about. It takes everything away from the movie. You've already seen the funny parts. You've already learned the funny lines. You've already laughed at the characters. It makes watching the movie feel like you're watching a re-run. And having to pay so much for a movie, it's a waste to pay for a re-run.

I would suggest watching this movie if you really have nothing else to watch. It's one of those movies you can just catch on DVD. Although, Gabo would beg to differ, apparently it is better to watch in 3D. I decided to catch it on 2D and it was nothing spectacular.

But that's just my point of view...

The Suite Life

Been living in a hotel since Sunday and well, although there are perks in living there like having someone clean your room for you and bring you everything you want right to your room and you do get to sleep under such comfy covers and nice pillows I'm starting to miss home...

My aunt's neighbor has been driving her mad. So to get healthier she decided to move to a hotel temporarily and since she doesn't have anyone with her, my cousin and I volunteered.

I have been eating my way into a coma. Since Monday morning when we ate at the buffet for breakfast I haven't been able to take a breather. Not that I'm complaining, don't get me wrong, I love it. But seriously, it's a lot of food. I am now probably 10 pounds heavier than when I started. I weighed myself too so I know what I started with. Not good. haha...I need to exercise.

So today I'm going to walk...around the mall. Hahaha...it's a compromise.

For Sai and Nix...

I had to work this weekend so I only got to check my FB today and I got a message from a friend. Our friend's fiance passed away. :( They were getting married in 36 days...

I was there through it all, I witnessed the making of the relationship, the mini break up, the getting back together. Her moving to the US. Them making it work. Him asking her to marry him and her saying yes. Us planning and talking about it. Everything was ready. Everything was set. Then he got into a traffic altercation and then everything got taken away.

Life isn't fair. I know that. But this...it is just cruel. It's injustice. It wasn't supposed to be like that. They were supposed to grow old together and be happy. My heart breaks for her. I cannot even begin to imagine what it's like for her. I am in shock. Lost. I don't know what to do, what to think, how to feel. I am stunned.

I only wish justice for Sai. No one deserved that kind of death, all the more not Sai. He was kind and jolly and always smiling. No one had the right to take that away from us, most especially from Nix. I love you Nix. You are strong, I will not say it will be ok, I know it feels like it won't ever be. But trust in God, trust in the love of your family and friends. You are loved Nix, you will always be loved. We are here.

Congratulations to the new MDs! :)

Becoming a doctor isn't easy. It's 4 years of premed, 4 years of med proper, 1 year of internship then about 6 months to get ready for the boards. That's almost 10 years of your life studying and earning nothing. hahaha...so yay to my new MD friends! :) Thank you for the libre! :)



I tried looking for photos of each of you but I couldn't find any. So since half of you are in this photo it will do! hahaha...

Congrats Arby, Frank, Chips, Jerome and PJ! :)

And just to keep it going! :)

A doctor examining a woman who had been rushed to the Emergency Room, took the husband aside, and said, 'I don't like the looks of your wife at all.'

'Me neither doc,' said the husband.

'But she's a great cook and really good with the kids.'

hahaha...thank you best friend! :) for entertaining me today! :) you are the awesomest! :)

This is how I'd like to fly

Got another hilarious email from best friend Val! :)

I love travelling, it's one of the things that I prioritize and feel lucky enough to be able to do it quite often. It doesn't matter if it's by land, by sea or by air, as long as I get to go somewhere new and enjoy myself it's worth it. Or that's what I thought...then I got this email and now I know...this is the way to fly.

Introducing Kulula Airlines.

***again, I got this from a forwarded email and well, I have yet to verify if it's true or not but it's all for a good laugh! :) So enjoy!










From the cockpit on KULULA.COM- South Africa's Budget Airline

Kulula is an Airline with head office situated in Johannesburg .

Kulula airline attendants make an effort to make the in-flight "safety lecture" and announcements a bit more entertaining. Here are some real examples that have been heard or reported:

--------------------------------------------------------------------

On a Kulula flight, (there is no assigned seating, you just sit where you want) passengers were apparently having a hard time choosing, when a flight attendant announced, "People, people we're not picking out furniture here, find a seat and get in it!"

---o0o---

On another flight with a very "senior" flight attendant crew, the pilot said, "Ladies and gentlemen, we've reached cruising altitude and will be turning down the cabin lights. This is for your comfort and to enhance
the appearance of your flight attendants."

----o0o---

On landing, the stewardess said, "Please be sure to take all of your belongings.. If you're going to leave anything, please make sure it's something we'd like to have."

----o0o---

"There may be 50 ways to leave your lover, but there are only 4 ways out of this airplane."

---o0o---

"Thank you for flying Kulula. We hope you enjoyed giving us the business as much as we enjoyed taking you for a ride."

---o0o---

As the plane landed and was coming to a stop at Durban Airport , a lone voice came over the loudspeaker: "Whoa, big fella. WHOA!"

---o0o---

After a particularly rough landing during thunderstorms in the Karoo, a flight attendant on a flight announced, "Please take care when opening the overhead compartments because, after a landing like that, sure as
hell everything has shifted."

---o0o---

From a Kulula employee: " Welcome aboard Kulula 271 to Port Elizabeth . To operate your seat belt, insert the metal tab into the buckle, and pull tight. It works just like every other seat belt; and, if you don't know how to operate one, you probably shouldn't be out in public
unsupervised."

---o0o---

"In the event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure, masks will descend from the ceiling. Stop screaming, grab the mask, and pull it over your face. If you have a small child travelling with you, secure your mask before assisting with theirs. If you are travelling with more than one
small child, pick your favorite."

---o0o---

Weather at our destination is 50 degrees with some broken clouds, but we'll try to have them fixed before we arrive. Thank you, and remember, nobody loves you, or your money, more than Kulula Airlines."

----o0o---

"Your seats cushions can be used for flotation; and in the event of an emergency water landing, please paddle to shore and take them with our compliments."

---o0o---

"As you exit the plane, make sure to gather all of your belongings.
Anything left behind will be distributed evenly among the flight attendants. Please do not leave children or spouses.."

---o0o---

And from the pilot during his welcome message: "Kulula Airlines is pleased to announce that we have some of the best flight attendants in the industry. Unfortunately, none of them are on this flight!"

---o0o---

Heard on Kulula 255 just after a very hard landing in Cape Town : The flight attendant came on the intercom and said, "That was quite a bump and I know what y'all are thinking. I'm here to tell you it wasn't the airline's fault, it wasn't the pilot's fault, it wasn't the flight attendant's fault, it was the asphalt."

---o0o---

Overheard on a Kulula flight into Cape Town , on a particularly windy and bumpy day: During the final approach, the Captain really had to fight it. After an extremely hard landing, the Flight Attendant said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to The Mother City. Please remain in your seats with your seat belts fastened while the Captain taxis what's left of our airplane to the gate!"

---o0o---

Another flight attendant's comment on a less than perfect landing:
"We ask you to please remain seated as Captain Kangaroo bounces us to the terminal."

---o0o---

An airline pilot wrote that on this particular flight he had hammered his ship into the runway really hard.. The airline had a policy which required the first officer to stand at the door while the passengers exited, smile, and give them a "Thanks for flying our airline. He said that, in light of his bad landing, he had a hard time looking the passengers in the eye, thinking that someone would have a smart comment. Finally everyone had gotten off except for a little old lady walking with a cane. She said, "Sir, do you mind if I ask you a question?"
"Why, no Ma'am," said the pilot. "What is it?" The little old lady said, "Did we land, or were we shot down?"

---o0o---

After a real crusher of a landing in Johannesburg , the attendant came on with, "Ladies and Gentlemen, please remain in your seats until Captain Crash and the Crew have brought the aircraft to a screeching halt against the gate. And, once the tire smoke has cleared and the warning bells are silenced, we will open the door and you can pick your way through the wreckage to the terminal.."

---o0o---

Part of a flight attendant's arrival announcement: "We'd like to thank you folks for flying with us today.. And, the next time you get the insane urge to go blasting through the skies in a pressurized metal tube, we hope you'll think of Kulula Airways."

---o0o---

Heard on a Kulula flight. "Ladies and gentlemen, if you wish to smoke, the smoking section on this airplane is on the wing.. If you can light 'em, you can smoke 'em."

---o0o---

A plane was taking off from Durban Airport . After it reached a comfortable cruising altitude, the captain made an announcement over the intercom, "Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking.
Welcome to Flight Number 293, non-stop from Durban to Cape Town, The weather ahead is good and, therefore, we should have a smooth and uneventful flight.. Now sit back and relax... OH, MY GOODNESS!" Silence followed, and after a few minutes, the captain came back on the intercom and said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I am so sorry if I scared you earlier. While I was talking to you, the flight attendant accidentally spilled a cup of hot coffee in my lap. You should see the front of my pants!" A passenger then yelled, "That's nothing. You should see the back of mine!"

Sharing a laugh! :)

Best friend Val got this in an email her uncle sent her so she shared it with me. It's too funny not to share with everyone else. Sadly I don't know who the author is or I would acknowledge. So whoever you are, thank you for the laugh! :)


MY PRIVATE PART DIED

An old man, Mr. Wallace, was living in a nursing home.

One day he appeared to be very sad and depressed.

Nurse Tracy asked him if there was anything wrong,

'Yes, Nurse Tracy,' said Mr. Wallace.

'My Private Part died today, and I am very sad.'

Knowing her patients were a little forgetful and sometimes a little crazy, she replied, 'Oh, I'm so sorry, Mr. Wallace. Please accept my condolences.'

The following day, Mr. Wallace was walking down the hall with his Private Part hanging out of his pyjamas.

He met Nurse Tracy. 'Mr. Wallace,' she said, 'You shouldn't be walking down the hall like that.

Please put your Private Part back inside your pyjamas.'

'But, Nurse Tracy I can't,' replied Mr. Wallace. 'I told you yesterday that my Private Part died.

'Yes,' said Nurse Tracy, 'you did tell me that, but why is it hanging out of your pyjamas?'

'Well,' he replied, 'Today is the viewing.'

Love...paying it forward.

I was having a conversation with the bu last night on they way home and I realized just how lucky I am to have him in my life. You see, our situation recently has been less than ideal. I can't say anything more than that. If we're close enough, you would know without having to ask, if you don't know, well then, that's just that, you weren't meant to know.

I realized that the way to truly love someone is to trust them to be the best person they can be and in the process, learn from them as they learn from you. I have had to grow up real fast in the last couple of years. I had to be the responsible one, although I do recognize that there is so much more growing up that needs to be done. I learned how to survive, I learned how to support, I learned of the realities of life and having to figure out how to get through them. I went through a rough patch. I went through a crazy time and it's something that I'm not proud of. But I'm blessed to have someone who was there for me in the end. I am loved and for that I am lucky.

Love is allowing growth. Giving enough space to breathe but knowing that you'll always be there. When i first started thinking of things to post. I had tons of ideas...but it all boiled down to one. When you have people who love you and support you, everything is possible. And whatever the world may think of you, it shouldn't matter.

I feel sad thinking that somewhere out there people don't have what I have, support, family, friends. It's hard to think about it but it's reality. Not everyone is lucky enough. When I am able, I will hopefully be able to help. Think of ways to spread the love. We all should. Think of this way, if we all supported a stranger, at least one random stranger everyday, won't we have a more happy and peaceful world. Now...to get a movement started. Won't that be something.

The pay it forward idea is nothing new, but it's something taken for granted. So today, let me try it. I will do something nice for a stranger and hope to God that whoever that person may be, they do the same thing for the next stranger they meet. :)

Here's to the hope of a better tom! :)

Blessings! :)

Good things come to those who wait! :) That's a lot coming from someone as impatient as me. But seriously, I have been working in the new company for about two months now. :) And things are starting to pick up. :)

I had my first ever event last weekend. It was for the SM Cyberzone Tech Fair. We did it in three malls simultaneously. :) Yup, you heard me, simultaneously. :) How cool is that! :)

On top of that there's two other account that we're working on that's already kicked off. :) I can't wait! :)

Thank you God for all my blessings! :) I can't wait for more to come! :)

Cheesecaking it with the bu...

I've been dying to make cheesecake for a week now. It's one of the bu's favorite desserts and well, who better to cook for than him. I was on the road to Clark for work when I ended up talking about cheesecake with my friend Pam. She explained to me how easy it was so I was curious.

I love the fact that you don't really have to bake the cheesecake, there are a lot of no bake recipes on the internet. So I bought the ingredients and because it was already late had to postpone it until I had free time again.

After obsessing the entire week today seemed like the perfect time to make it. I was at home, awake early and well, bored. So I made the bu help me, although he was being difficult and a know it all again, and we made our first cheesecake together! :)

Just had some of it awhile ago and I must say. It is delish..haha...but I may be biased. We're still trying to figure out what we can top it with when we eat it. Probably going to end up being jam. haha...will keep you posted.

Until my next culinary adventure! :) Grubs up!

The Human Camera: Steven Wiltshire

The bu showed me a video this evening. It was of a savant, a rare condition in which people with developmental disorders have one or more areas of expertise, ability, or brilliance that are in contrast with the individual's overall limitations, who drew a 5 yard detailed panoramic picture of Rome. It was amazing. You have to see it.

Our society does not understand the world of those who are special. :) This is an amazing preview of how a savant adult can wow the world. Take a moment to watch him...



I have a soft spot for children with autism. When I was a college student I decided that I would try preschool for my practicum. I was a psychology major and this was one of the options for those in our course. I fell in love with the children from the first step I took into the classroom. It was amazing.

Then I graduated and decided I would become a preschool teacher. If you knew back when I myself used to be a student you would never have seen this coming. I was the worst student ever. My teachers had the hardest time with me. But in the end, this just made me appreciate them more.

In my first teaching job at a high end international preschool I used to be a shadow teacher for a highly functioning autistic child. He was 7 although at that time his mental age was probably around 3-4. He had trouble speaking and feeling skin sensations. You had to hold him tightly and brush his arms to calm him down. You had to speak to him the way you would speak to a 3 year old, you had to be more patient. It was hard. It was painful, I remember being sick one day and I was sitting with him and he stood up, walked to a far place and ran back towards me, I was so excited only to feel a remarkably heavy hand hit me right smack in the middle of my head. Working with Special Children had it's disadvantages, especially for the thin weak teachers like me. But what made me fall in love with teaching was the fact that one day, while waiting for his other classmates to come in...my little boy spoke his first full sentence on his own. It was amazing, I was nearly in tears. You see all your hardwork pay off and then everything you had to go through just melted away. All that mattered was that I was there, he was there and I helped him learn.

Sadly, I'm not teaching anymore although it is something I terribly miss. I miss my students who have made me fall in love with them. I miss my favorites who despite their naughtiness are the sweetest, smartest things God has ever put in this world. My only wish is that one day, everyone get to experience what it's like to live like a child. Carefree and innocent. :)

Giants...

When I was growing up I looked up to my parents. They were my heroes. They did everything the right way. They made the best decisions. They were everything I wanted to be when I grow up. That's still the case, except for the growing up part since I really do think I am grown up. Most of the time. :)

But through the years I've met people whom I have grown to admire. People who amaze me with the way they lead their lives. They do so many things and yet they're still grounded. They're still...human. :)

Let me give you a couple examples.

There's Patricia Bermudez-Hizon. :) I super love how she's such a full time mom. She's really involved with her kids. That's two boys but above that she still has this NGO that she started and continues to run. She also supports this orphanage full on. She's a sportscaster, a host. She owns a travel agency and she can do events. Aside from that, she has a big heart that's always willing to give. See, just listing all that down, whew. What more if you were living it. Then you get to meet her in person. She's super down to earth. The only time she ever brags is when she talks about her kids and it's not bragging, it's just being proud.

Then there's my cousin Nikki. She's living her dream. She's travelling, going to all these places and getting paid to do it. She has a wonderfully smart daughter who's hilarious! :) She's 2 but talks to you like she's 20. She's amazingly intuitive, much like her mom when she was growing up. I can't explain it, but in my generation, she's the one to look up to.

Then on the other hand...there are these people who are just well, not like them. Have you ever met someone who makes himself feel better by making others feel bad? They're not fun to be around. It's pretty tiring actually. I really do not understand the need to belittle anyone. If you were any good at whatever it is that you're saying then you don't need to talk about it, it will just show.

I'm not talking about any one person in particular, mind you. It was just a mere observation. I've met these kinds of people, a lot of them and sometimes I can't help but think how sad it must be to live a life where you always have to prove yourself.

One thing I'll remember when I have kids of my own is to show them to have pride in what they accomplish but to do so humbly because in the end, those who are too proud will find no one to brag to when everyone has grown tired of the same old story. :)

Expose shows...are they really helpful or are they all hype?

There are more than 3 expose shows in the Philippines. Both major stations have one and well, smaller stations have them on as well.

I get the whole facination people have with them. It's the same way that people are so into "reality shows" because everyone has this need to see other people's lives. It's more real...or so it's what they want us to believe. But unlike most reality shows, expose shows have a goal. To help the less fortunate fight those with obvious powers compared to them...or so that's what they want us to believe.

Don't get me wrong, I believe people should have a place to run to when they have nothing else. I agree with that. But let me explain.

I have watched more than 1 episode of these expose shows. They are interesting. They have a lot of cases that are unique and well, eye opening. But recently I've been given the chance to see one of the expose shows more closely and boy was a surprised.

Expose shows are sensationalized journalism. They get all these complaints and all these pleas for help in a day and they have to respond and do something about it. i get that. But what I don't understand is why they don't do their jobs, find out the truth. That's what journalism is about right? Getting to the bottom of things and understanding it without judgement and bias. But what they do is respond routinely by reporting it to the proper authorities. Yes, that's what is expected of them and that is the right thing to do, but they don't even bother to get the other side of the story. Where's the journalism in that? They should do their jobs and investigate then expose those that need to be exposed. I hope they keep that in mind before they do anything that might harm other people, their reputations or their lives.

But that's just my point of view...

Working on a weekend

Saturdays are usually spent for having fun. Like going to get a massage or shopping. Unfortunately, I have work today. I actually had plans to do something else but the client is asking us to do something and so today we're hauling our asses off to the province and making the most out of it.

Usually I'd complain but my client is really nice. They asked nicely and they don't really demand. Hence the reason why this isn't so hard to do. If only we could stop by the shopping places before heading home. hahaha...but that would only mean getting home later, so fine. Maybe next week. :P

I believe there are two types of clients, there are those who feel that they have to make the most out of what they pay you and therefor make you work yourself to the bone and there are those who appreciate your hard work, ask you to do things nicely and keeps thanking you for a job well done. See, these clients ask you to do the same amount of work yet the latter always makes you feel like it's your choice to do so and quite frankly from working in the service industry for 4 years. It's definitely something I would do gladly if I liked you. Haha...better results as well.

So I must prepare for this road trip and keep telling myself this will be over soon. hahaha...

Moving on...

I am mad. Very. I have been trying to be patient and nice and well, mature. But sometimes you get pushed and in the end...you snap and they get what they're asking for.

Breathe in. Breathe out. I can do this.

Dear Jess, I need you. Please help me not go back to angry-angsty me. I am over that. Thank you.

STOP THIS EVIL ACT! STOP TAMBUCHO KILLING

This video is not for the weak of heart:

http://youtu.be/UNJ6dB_G90I


This is why we should #saynototambuchokilling

I can't believe our government will even condone this inhumane and cruel way of putting down unwanted animals. HELP US STOP THE MADNESS.

Also visit: www.paws.com.ph

***from the blog of Patricia Hizon. :) www.patriciahizon.blogspot.com

Please visit http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/tambucho-gassing-is-not-euthanasia and sign the petition to have this law retracted. We are not helping these animals. This is torture.

I signed already, help us save animal lives.

Heart break...

Family to me is the most important thing. I grew up surrounded by family. I am close to my first cousins on my mom's side. I love my cousins on my dad's side despite the distance, I grew up in Manila they grew up in the States. I love my aunts, my uncles, my grandparents. I love everybody. My family is my life. If I were given a chance to have a family of my own, my only wish is to be able to give my kids all the love I felt growing up.

Recently however, I have not been getting along with the bu's family, not everyone, just a very select few. I wont go into detail. It is very personal and unless we're close friends you don't need to know. My heart breaks thinking about it. I don't want for the bu to be put in a position where he will have to take a side. I will never let that happen because in the end as I said family is the most important. My only wish is for things to settle. Let cooler heads come and let things go. I made mistakes but I was also wronged.

It's hard. To be put in this position, where you don't know what to do anymore. I want to live a peaceful life. I want to be happy. I am actually. :) I am in a much better place. I like what I do, I spend time with the people I love, doing the things I love to do. :) But wouldn't it be better if you were able to share things with the people you hold most dear. I only wish for things to go back to the way they were. If only. I will keep praying. I have done my part. Now all I can do is let God take hold of the situation. Whatever His will may be. :)

Let it be said however, that the bu has been the most adult of all and because of everything I love him more. :) Thank you bu, for being the best person in the world. For loving, listening and understanding. For telling me what's right and what's wrong. For trying to understand where I am coming from, for being there for me. You are my rock and you will continue to be. I love you!

My take on SALT

The bu and I made an effort to watch Salt last Friday. I say made an effort cause I was really feeling sick and was coming down with the flu. It was a good thing my parents were in Cubao and I was able to ask them to take me to Eastwood. :)

Salt was a good movie. It wasn't the best I've seen but it was a good movie to watch in the cinema. I like Angelina Jolie in movies although I don't really like the fact that she stole Brad Pitt from Jeniffer when they were still married. But I digress.

The movie was very well written. The fact that they didn't give away the story in the trailer was also amazing. I loved how they kept you guessing which way the story would go as it progressed. Angelina Jolie also played the role of Evelyn Salt very well and I couldn't imagine it having been played by anyone else. She's really the top female action star and she can really pull it off. Makes me wonder what type of person she is in real life when she's caught in a jam.

Sometimes it makes me wonder, I'm sure it would be hard for someone who's very popular to find friends who will want to be her friend because of who she is and not because she's a celebrity. But on the other hand, I wonder how friends will know if the celebrity is really their friend or if she's being just that...a celebrity. Hehe...complicated world they live in.

Off track once again. Sorry about that. Going back to Salt, I personally enjoyed watching it and would recommend it to those who like watching action movies. This movie was packed with action scenes. The only thing that had me wondering was how Angelina kept jumping from floor to floor in the elevator shaft. She should have broken her bones. But then again...that's why it's a movie. Just wasn't realistic. Other than that. Everything else was good! :)

Til the next movie.

My life flashed before me...

What a morning...before I go into detail about how my life flashed before me, let me give you a brief background of why it happened...

Every night when I get home, I leave my bag intact with all my belongings inside it. I'm forgetful and it has happened quite a lot of times that I leave important things if take them out of my bag. Take my glasses for example, I would be halfway out the village before I realize everything's a blur and come to the conclusion that...aha! I left my glasses. hahaha...yes, I'm that forgetful! :P

Anyway, so last night I left both my phones in my bag and they're always just on silent because I don't want to keep changing it when I get to the office. Sure enough when my friend sent me a message I wasn't able to read it right away. So this morning, while on the way out I look at my phone to see if there were any important messages for me. As I was doing this, we were walking down the stairs. I totally loose my balance and drop my lunchbox. Yes I have a lunchbox, feeling preschool. I watch it roll away as I try to regain my balance. Oh how my life flashed before me. I would have dropped into concrete full on. It's a good thing I'm super fast I was able to hang on to the rail. Whew. hahaha...so maybe I wasn't going to die and maybe I'm just over reacting. But still...I got a wound on my finger and now it's all plastered up I can't bend it. Makes for a very uncomfortable typing day.

Valuable lesson learned: Never text while walking down the stairs. Ever.

From the mouths of children...

Just a little excerpt from Yaya Naling's conversation with Sofia...

Yaya Naling: Ikaw talaga Sofia ha! Ang dami mong...

Sofia: Alam?

Yaya Naling: Hindi, ang dami mong palusot!

hahaha...I can't even begin to imagine what I would have done in that situation. I swear, that child is too smart for her own good! :) And that's why I love her to bits!

Making sweet apples together

I have been craving for really good french toast since the time I saw my officemate eating some. So sue me, I'm envious like that. hahaha...

Since I have been very sentimental lately I thought of making good old apple sauce for my french toast. :) We would have this as a treat when we were younger. So it was going to be extra special if I made it myself. I asked my mom to buy the stuff I needed since I'm in the office most of the time. She didn't get to buy them until after we went to my granduncle's wake though. So it was quite late when we got home.

When we got home I asked the bu if he was willing to help me. He's always too sweet and quickly agreed. I figured I would let him do the easy stuff. So I asked him to measure out the sugar and the cinnamon and to mix them together while I cut the apples. Of course cutting apples takes longer than measuring so once he was done he was looking for things to do. I asked if he wanted to try cutting some of the apples which he was. Apparently what he didn't tell me was he was horrible at cutting apples. hahaha...ok, I'm being overly dramatic. But seriously, he took out a fork and wanted to hang on to the apple using it. I mean that would have been fine if it was dinner. But we were trying to get thin even slices. He wouldn't even listen to me explain the proper way to do it. So I let him be while I went to measure out the remaining ingredients, butter and water. Once I was done, I started the process. Of course my bu decides he wants to help with that too. Haha...if you were there. It was hilarious. He looked like a little boy being allowed to help out in the kitchen for the first time.

The apple sauce came out great. It was just right. Not to sweet not to tangy. :) Perfect.

I feel so lucky having someone like the bu in my life. He constantly supports my crazy ideas and lets me do what I want. But, he also equalizes me and lets me know when I am wrong and when I need to change my views on certain things. He's my external moral compass. :) How could I be so lucky! :)

Goodbye and see you later...

It is a sad time for us right now. My Guakong's (grandfather on the mother's side) brother passed away the other day. He passed away at the age of 76. He was able to live a full life and for that we are thankful.

Although I was not close to him my heart breaks. It hits to close to home. :( A death in the family only highlights the fact that life is fleeting and we should never take anyone for granted. I remember being a little girl and we would be in Taikong's house for Sunday dinners and Achak Long would be there. He would tease us and ask us questions that as kids we would think nothing off. Sadly, my memories with him would end there. That's how our relationship would be growing up. I would see him at reunions, I would say the obligatory hello and kiss on the cheek and move on to the next aunt to kiss. I can't really say that things would be completely different should I be able to take back time. That's how things really were I guess. He really couldn't keep up with the energy of young kids and we really loved running around.

As it is often said, we only realize the true value of something or someone when they're gone. I guess that's one thing we take away every time someone dies, we learn to stop and smell the roses. We learn that everything should be done with purpose. I want to grow old and be able to say that I experienced everything. That I never took anything for granted. I know it is hard because once something becomes a constant it is but human nature to forget it's importance and take it for granted. I only pray that I remember. Always.

So until it's time for me to see you again. Goodbye Achak Long.

Sunday is Family Day

I remember being a kid and spending Sunday dinners with my cousins. It was so much fun. A day spent just lounging around and having fun. We would play in the extension house, in the garden, in the groto, by the macopa tree! we played to our hearts content. Sadly the househelp got older and we got too many that it was really hard to just meet every Sunday. But those would always be treasured memories that helped make our family, no matter how crazy, close! :-)

Growing up with two brothers, i was always constantly teased. We would have tons of fights and they would always gang up on me. I guess that's how kids really are when they're growing up. It's always boys against girls and too bad for me I was an only girl but then again, that only meant I could play the boys picking on the only girl card. And I played that A LOT! ahaha

While at dinner with my brothers, we were laughing about all the crazy situations and ideas we used to have as kids. You see this all started when my younger brother said he couldn't believe he was related to us because we were so corny. I told him that's cause pulot lang siya sa basura (we just picked him up from the trash) hahaha...it was what we would tell him when he was being all gross and dirty when we were kids. My brother used to be scrawny. hahaha...thinking about it now it was mean but as kids it was all fun. Then I remember this old commercial about child slavery and child trafficking. That's when, as kids, we had the bright idea to sell my younger brother per kilo. hahaha...yes we were mean. It was fun. We all had our own share of evilness. Trust me. I was the butt of all cry baby jokes. What? I was sensitive. You can't blame me! hahaha...that and I was a wimp. At least I admit it. I've outgrown it, or at least have learned to use it to my advantage.

Memories are hilarious to look back on especially when you're part of a family that loves one another to enough to always play pranks on one another. Don't get me wrong, we've had our share of ups and downs but in the end. It's all good. I can only wish that by the time I have kids of my own, we'll be able to make memories like that as well. :)

When I have kids of my own we will do pancake Sundays and on special occasions waffle Sundays. I will make the effort to have dinner with the grandparents and the cousins cause I remember those were the days that were most fun. It's fun to plan and all but I don't want to be jumping the gun or anything. Everything in God's time.

I thank God each day for my family. They're the best people in the world despite the fact that they're looney most of the time and I love them more than anything or anyone.

Family will always be love. :)

I miss cooking...

I just recently realized I miss cooking. Making my own meals and having people enjoy them. Ok, maybe enjoy is stretching it a bit, but still. So I've decided that this Sunday, I'm cooking myself something good for dinner. Will look for an easy pescitarian recipe to start with once again. Wish me luck! :)

Movie of the Week: Sorcerer's Apprentice

Today is the birthday of one of my best girls so we met up for dinner and a movie last night. We ate at Cajun in Galleria. The restaurant wasn't so bad and the prices weren't so bad either. I would just advise getting the Strawberry Iced Tea if you really want an iced tea drink though, this just tasted like watered down strawberry juice from powder concentrate. Just totally sucked that our camera got busted. Will hopefully be able to get it fixed soon.

After dinner we decided to watch a Sorcerer's Apprentice which was the last good movie on the list. Apparently Citibank has a promo that if you spend enough they give you free tickets which to me was awesome since we got to watch for free.



The movie was in theater 1 of Galleria. We asked the ticketing lady which were the best rows in the house and she recommended we pick from aisle J which was what we did. Boy were we wrong. I had to strain my neck backwards most of the movie. Their seats were awfully low and just not placed right. I really think they should address that.

The movie itself was so so. The effects were good, it was actually nice to watch but the storyline itself was shallow. You knew right away what was going to happen. I hate lines like..."Promise me, if anything happens you will finish the job!" So obvious.

It was a feel good movie and it gave hope to those geeky nerdy boys. I mean no offense, if you watch the movie you will understand. hahaha...I wouldn't recommend watching it in the theater though, unless your tickets are free! :)

I always believe that it doesn't matter where you go or what you do as long as you're with the most awesome people. Yesterday I had just that. I miss Wednesday sessions with my girls. Here's to seeing them more often! :)

Testing my resolve

I've lifted everything to God. I let it go. It actually felt really good. Like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. Then last night as I was getting a massage I get a text message that I was being blamed for something I had no control over. That I didn't do. Another one of those blatant lies that are so common now a days. Wow...my anger lit up like someone was boiling my blood on high. Seriously. Thinking about it now still infuriates me.

But...this morning I tweeted about it and then I decided I am better than that. So now...I am lifting it all up to God and praying that the negativity stay away from me. I must remember that life is short. I will not spend any more of my time thinking bad thoughts.

The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.

Flattery

Is imitation really the best form of flattery? I don't think so...

In college I had a classmate who practically did everything I did, bought everything I bought, talked the way I talked and even did her hair the same way I did mine. At first it was amusing, then it just became frustrating. I couldn't make a statement cause the next day it would be moot. I had no control over it so I let it be.

That was that...today I find myself in that familiar situation only this time it's completely different. They've taken imitation to a whole new level. Impersonation. And I hate it.

There's a person pretending to be me on a popular social networking site and it's getting to be frustrating. I chanced upon this profile when I was using the bu's itouch and was searching for my profile to show him something. When I searched my name, lo and behold there was another account in my name...with my picture. There are 3 actually, one didn't have a photo so I wasn't going to assume right away that I was the only living person in the planet with the name. So I let that be, but the other account. It was a poser account with pictures of me lifted from different sites on the net. Some were from press releases. Others were from blogposts, others just from plain stalking my account. It's really annoying. I reported this already and although they did manage to take down the account after almost half a year. Here I am in the same situation again. The faker account is back with the same annoying grammar and the same modus, taking my profile photos. I hope whoever it is gets a life. It's frustrating.

So there. I just needed to rant. NO. Imitation is really NOT the best form of flattery. Leave me alone poser!

Letting go and letting God...

I hate over thinking. You keep getting to the worst possible scenario and once you get there you always have that hanging over your head. Well, I'm done with that. I have been carrying a heavy burden with me the past couple of months and as time goes by I get more agitated. I think it is because I still cannot understand what's taking so long. Also because I can't understand why...about a lot of things.

So let me say one thing about it as I lift it up to God. I am human too, I have feelings, I make mistakes. I made a mistake I apologized. I got hurt too but I do not take it against them. Not anymore. There is nothing gained from harboring ill feelings. I am a better person than that. So I prayed this morning in church for God to take away my anger and my pain and let Him take control of whatever comes next.

I only hope it gets resolved sooner rather than later. Life is short. I will not waste it on sadness or anger. I am happy and I intend to keep it that way.

Best movie I've seen so far...Inception!

Saturdays are date days. They're the only full days I get to spend with the bu since he works in the ER on Sundays. So yesterday we decided we would watch Inception.

It is the first time in awhile that we both went to a movie without first knowing anything about the movie. We went in there blind and came out amazed. The movie is so hard to explain because it had so many layers. It kept you glued to the screen the entire time from beginning to end...there were no dull moments. No moment you could take your concentration away from the screen for fear that you might miss something and the entire movie would be a big confusing mess. It was amazing. The way the story was told, the way the details were explained, the way the scenes were put to life. It was just that...amazing.

I am not really a Leo fan. I mean he had his moments and I watched Titanic but I'm not one of those swoon at his feet kind of guy. Although I did have a Leo shirt from my aunt growing up but I never wore it. This movie however, he was brilliant in it. Very convincing, very confusing, very believable.

If you want to see a movie that's worth every centavo...this is the movie for you! :)

Hunger pains

I am a constantly hungry person and that totally sucks. 80% of my regular day is spent thinking about the places I want to eat in as well as the kind of grub I want. I'm not kidding about the 80%, the other 20% I spend sleeping or working. hahaha...I hope my boss doesn't get to read this!

We finished a big presentation today and I'm done for the week, or so I hope. So I thought it would be a good way to spend my time listing down all the things I've been craving for...as a reminder that I am a pig. hahaha...So here we go...

Fish Kebab with Buttered rice from Cafe Med
Shrimp Sandwich from Sango
That reese's dessert from Banapple
Mini Ensaimada from Razons
Straight from the oven Chocolate Chip cookies
Gelato from that gelato place in GB5
Buko-lychee shake from Mooon Cafe in Cebu
Carrot Cake from Leona's
Mint Chocolate Cake from Leona's
Butterscotch from Bacolod
Blondies from Max
Pastel from Camiguin
Anything from Corner Tree Cafe
Vegetable Lasagna from that place in Medical City
Paella
Coffee Bun
Twix
Chocolate Marble Waffle from Pancake House
Friday's Special Pizza from Shakeys
Lychees, the fresh kind
Pineapples, the fresh kind
Mangos...in the beach
Curry from Sea Nymph in La Union
Banana Pancakes from Surfer's Retreat, La Union
Fillet-O-Fish from McDo
Baked Potato from Wendy's

And to think that's all I came up with right now...I have to think back for the others. But seriously...hahahaha...I need help.

There's actually more but I'm killing myself just thinking about it. I want to eat. I will see Miggy in awhile so will wait til then...

First Pay...or Not.

After being excited to get my first check...I get home to realize they misspelled my last name. Boo.

I miss...

Why does it always seem like the grass is greener on the other side...

Based on the fact that I haven't been posting regularly one can tell that I finally have work and it's been busy. Hahaha...I missed this. Having deliverables, having work, having things to think about. It was really tiring just sitting at home thinking of other things to do when you've exhausted every possible amusing activity you could think of. hahaha...

But...I miss the free time. The time I get to spend with the bu when he doesn't have clinic or duty. The time I am allowed to sleep in whenever I feel like it. Not having to commute to work. I miss being comfortable in the morning. I miss not having to be made up. I miss being a sloth...hahaha...

But...Out of all the things I missed and have, I am happy to have work. I would rather have work and be in control of my future than sloth away at home with nothing. But I think the one thing I miss that I have a hard time dealing with...the bu. :( I miss spending time with him. Saturdays are days for the bu! :) Love.

From an Irritable Unicorn to a My Little Pony...

About 2 years ago Val and I started a group called the Irritable Unicorns.



The Irritable Unicorns was a group of whiny girls who had so much angst in life. Seriously. Hahaha...We chose the name Unicorns because we grew up in the generation of the Sweet Valley Teens series and they had a club named the Unicorns. :) I remember how we would chat everyday and have lots of things to rant about. It was a rantful time in our lives and yes, sadly we let negativity rule. It was not fun.

Suffice to say, since starting this blog I have been staying positive despite the fact that sometimes things just test my patience. Every time that happens I remember to breathe in, breathe out, smile and think I have better things to worry about. Life is short. :) I am a positive person and I will bring only positivity to the world.

As a result my partner in crime, bestfriend Val is now trying out this new lifestyle. Admittedly it is hard especially since we both have lots of issues to work out. Not with each other but with certain circumstances. :) So everyday we remind ourselves, there are worse people out there and sometimes you just can't help how other people see the world. What's left to do is be our awesome selves. :) Val is better at it than me, she's managed to convert our other member Mercy to join the club! :) We will be positivity central it will make you want to throw up. hahahaha

So goodbye Irritable Unicorns and say hello to the My Little Ponies, although admittedly we must change our name due to the copyrights...hahaha.

PS Bestfriend Val we need a new name and a new crest. wahahahaha...

Lazy Sunday...NOT!

I feel like lazing around today. The whole atmosphere here in my sister in law's house just makes it seem like it's the right thing to do. Everyone is just so...relaxed. I am jealous.

I have to make 2 presentations today. One I already made just need to edit and make more comprehensive. The other one I'm starting from scratch. I think best to write down everything in the meeting so as not to miss anything. Was this really what I missed? hahaha...

Kidding aside. I've been working 2 weeks now and although there are highs and lows when I'm in the office. Generally I'm still excited. I have yet to make my own event. I'm getting quite anxious actually. I have tons lined up, just need to get approval. I hope they don't come in all at once. That would be...crazy.

So it's back to work for me. Just finished one deck, need to make another one. From scratch. This is going to be a loooong afternoon. Bring it on!

Corner Tree for Free! :)

Finally got to eat at Corner Tree Cafe today. Micky had errands to run in the area so I asked her to have lunch and since we're both pescitarian I thought it would be perfect to eat there. I have been meaning to try it out for the longest time too. :)

Corner Tree Cafe is a quaint cafe that's vegetarian. Having not eaten meat the last 3 years I have a hard time looking for good places with rich, tasty and fulfilling food. The only places I know that are specialty vegetarian are those in Baguio and well if I could live there I would but I don't so just hearing about this cafe already got me curious.

To start off we decided to get the Corner Tree Starter Plate which was a combination of the Dukka and White Bean Hummus starters. I was pleasantly surprised. I must admit that when they first served us the dish and I saw the pieces of bread I got turned off. I thought the bread would be hard to eat. But I was wrong, it was actually soft in the inside and just the right crunch on the outside. The hummus, a constant when we eat in kebab restaurants, was very good too. The fresh vegetables they were served with were crunchy and cold, thought I must admit I only ate the singkamas. hahaha...

I had the mushroom stroganoff. My aunt makes this for me when we have reunions in my grandparents house so I was curious to find out how this one would fare against my usual. Just to better explain it, my aunt is the best cook I know. She doesn't have formal training, it's just really her love for the craft. She's actually the main reason I want to learn how to cook.

But I digress...Corner Tree's mushroom stroganoff was a completely different kind of stroganoff compared to what I'm used to. It was spicy and not as creamy. I should remember to always have a camera on hand so I can take photos Being true to it's name, the dish had tons of mushrooms. I'm a mushroom girl so that was a big plus for me. :) As a whole I actually enjoyed it a lot but maybe I should ask Micky for her opinion since she ate most of it. Just a few bites in she traded meals with me and so I ended up eating what she ordered. hahaha.

Micky ordered the Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna. Another one of my favorite go to dishes in restaurants. :) This one I really liked. It was rich and every bite was full of flavor. I enjoyed it a lot. :) Micky however found it too rich and didn't feel like eating it anymore after a few bites. I forget the term but the tagalog word for it is "umay". I was a willing trader so it all worked out! The serving was pretty big actually and there was salad on the side, which Micky ate so I can't comment on that. haha...If I weren't so famished today I wouldn't have been able to finish it all, I would say the serving would have been perfect for 2 people who eat like me.

Our other friend, Boss Lu (also known as GR) had the vegetarian meatballs on brown rice. I don't remember the name of the dish. I was just really excited to see them and we kept laughing. hahaha...will make sure to take note next time. :) Boss Lu is a carnivore to the bone so he wasn't too happy about being ambushed by two girls into eating in a completely vegetarian restaurant. It was hilarious. :) But he was such a good sport.
***On a side note, he tried to stop at Max's Fried Chicken on they way back to my office. hahaha

But I think the best part of the meal was the fact that it was free! hahahaha...ok, I kid. But seriously the best part of the meal was the company. I missed my friends and seeing them today was awesome! :) We just couldn't keep quiet. I guess it really is true, absence makes the heart grow fonder. hahaha...cheesy. But really. Today was a good day thanks to them! :)

So til the next vegetarian escapade! Love you MickyD and Boss Lu (GR)

What a week

It's my second week of work. I'm supposed to be working but I'm being really lethargic and taking things slow...

This week has been hectic. From one proposal to another. New clients are coming from all sides. As my boss said, the people we meet in this job...awesome. I've met all kinds of people, one of the things I love about this job.

But I know it means wanting the best for the people you love, putting their interests above your own, always. Love does that. Love is what you live for."
- Angelina Jolie on Love. :)

What a way to start the day!

I got a really maddening email today. I know I really shouldn't mind it. But seriously...

Anyway, *deep breath* I will let it go since I am better than this. Let me just consult with the people who know best to deal with this. Goozefrabah. Let this be the last I say about it.

My take on Toy Story 3

This post is very much delayed. I had work, a valid excuse. :P hahaha...

The bu and I watched Toy Story 3 last week and I totally loved it. I remember watching the first Toy Story movie and how amazingly it captured all my childhood fantasies that my toys could talk and that they would meet up every night when the humans were asleep. It was amazing and I loved it a lot.

When the second movie came out I didn't want to watch it in the cinema. All these movie franchises kept coming out with sequels and Toy Story 2 never felt like a priority on my list of movies to watch. So sadly I wasn't able to watch it in the cinema.

When news that this movie franchise was coming out with it's last movie to close the series I thought nothing of it until everyone around me started making a big deal out of it and my brother asked me to download the first two movies so he could watch them again. Which I did.

After watching the first two movies of the franchise I was slowly becoming excited for the movie to come out. All the marketing and plugging really got to me. So when it finally did come out, the bu and I decided we would make the effort and put it on our list of movies to watch.

Now that you have the back story of my relationship with the Toy Story franchise, let me give you my take on the movie...

Toy Story 3 is a brilliant movie. It pulled at your heart strings and made you miss all your childhood toys. It made me want to go back in time and treat my toys better. It made me want to make sure that my kids treated their toys well. It actually made me want to dig up my old toys and see what kind of a toy keeper I was. Toy Story 3 made me think about toys in a whole new perspective.

It was actually a bit sad to see that there were a lot of toys that were in the original movies that weren't there anymore. But I guess that made it more realistic. But I think what made the movie great was it had it's own story while it closed the chapter on the over-all story. I loved all the antics and stunts that the toys had to do to survive. I loved the reset button and the Spanish version. I loved the dancing and the fashion show. But what I loved the most was the pita.

Just thinking about the movie and it's scenes already makes me want to laugh out loud and I believe the movie did just what it had intended. So if you want to see a movie that will make you cry and laugh out loud then this is the movie for you. I would recommend this movie to anyone. :)

In my book, Toy Story 3 is a winner.

Being the New Girl

One of the major things I was worried about before I started working was that I would be known as the "new girl" and that freaked me out. A lot.

This is my frist time to work in a company that had this many people working together. I haven't really been able to count how many we are...hahaha, people might think that I'm weird if they realize I'm counting them. But we're significantly more compared to my old company. :) So, you now get the picture of why I'm scared of being the "new girl". There's so many of them and I'm the only one, it's that feeling you get when you enter a class as a transfer student and you know they all have friends already and you have to figure out where you belong. It's a big deal.

My temporary desk is situated in one corner, right beside the creatives guys. The accounts team however is on the other side of the room, away from my corner. They're the team I'm supposed to work with. Add to that the fact that my corner is actually sort of like a mini hallway where you have to walk a few steps to see the rest of the room. So...I'm virtually alone. I don't really know if this is a good thing, or a bad thing, but at least it gives me the chance to acclimate, observe and learn how they work without being right in the middle of it.

The con however is that I don't get to interact with my officemates as much meaning this whole "new girl" phase might actually take longer than expected. The only time I get to talk to them is during lunch break and I must say, they make an effort to be nice to me. :) They're really friendly and you don't really feel shy to say stuff like I would normally be. I know, I know...nothing like the real me. But that's how I am when I'm new at some place. I keep quiet and observe til I feel comfortable enough to be myself. It takes a lot of time. Some things in my life I'm still not comfortable with despite the fact that it's been almost a century. But that's a different story altogether.

What I'm most thankful for is the fact that I know God is with me through this whole process. I got a day off in the middle of the week. Something most people wouldn't get. It was a break from something that was new, a relapse into the comfortable zone. And I tell you, it was something that I needed very much. :) It helped a lot, because at least I'm not edgy all the time. I'm on my guard all the time when I'm at the office. A survival thing I guess, when you're still not familiar with your surroundings. :) So a midweek break was very welcome indeed.

Now most of my friends have been asking me where I'm working. I've actually not been saying anything out of respect for my old boss. I wanted her to get comfortable with the idea first before anyone knew about the details. So I apologize for all the secrecy. Don't get me wrong, I love my new company and everything about it, I just want to be sure that it wouldn't hurt anyone once word got out. :)

I'll keep you hanging for a bit longer. Just a bit until I feel that it's ok. Soon enough. Who knows, we might all be surprised.

Welcoming the new in my life...

I'm in the middle of my first work week and here I am posting on my blog instead of working. The perks of being new on the job I think is that for the first few days you just get to acclimate yourself with the surroundings. Get yourself used to the people and all that...

I'm never an early person. Ok, maybe never is stretching it. I'm rarely an early person but I'm not late either. I like being on time, most of the time. But for three days in a row I've been early for work. I get so stressed out in the morning that I get to work so early. Famished most of the time although I had breakfast today. hahaha...

Anyway, must pace myself and get into the whole new office groove. Will blog more in detail over the weekend. Just wanted you to know I was still alive and totally loving it! :)

My take on Letters to Juliet

This week the bu spoiled me by taking me to two movies. We love watching movies and as long as there's a good one playing we're sure to catch it. :) Making the most of my free time. Well, this week after coming from an interview in the Ortigas area the bu and I met up at Galleria to watch a movie. We had to choose between Letters to Juliet and Toy Story 3. We ended up watching the more girly one. :)

Letters to Juliet is a feel good movie. It makes cynics believe in love and the power that is has despite time apart. :) I am a romantic and this was my kind of movie.

The way I saw it,the movie's intention was to make people believe in true love once again. And I must say, despite the many obvious turn outs, it did just that. :) The feeling this movie left me with was happiness and love. :)

Amanda always has this way of acting that's natural, almost like she's not acting. I just thought it was funny that her character's name was Sophie, same as that of her Mamma Mia! character. Hmmm...maybe it's easier for her that way. hahaha...

British people are known to be dry with their humor and that was how it was in this movie but it just made the movie more...sweet. The obvious twist partnered with the execution was what made this movie such a good girly movie.

I would recommend this movie to be watched on DVD though since it didn't really leave me with a "that was worth it" feeling that I look for when paying exorbitant rates for movies now. But if you're looking for a feel good, romantic movie then this is it for you. Try not to anticipate the parts you've seen in the trailer, it will make it more interesting.

Think about any attachments that are depleting your emotional reserves. Consider letting them go.
- Oprah Winfrey

Welcoming change

A month and two weeks ago I officially resigned from the company I spent the past three years of my life in. It was bittersweet, it was so hard to let go off all the connections I made but it was also a much needed break and a welcome change! :) An opportunity for new beginnings. :)

I have been enjoying my time off. Being able to wake up in the middle of the day, nap when I want to. Go to visit the bu at his clinic, plan trips, watch movies in the middle of the day. Just practically do what I want, when I want. It was a welcome break indeed. But, after a month of not working, I must admit I was getting impatient and antsy. I am not used to having nothing to do.

I have been sending out my resumes a lot. More than I did when I first graduated from college. I also uploaded my resume in those sites where possible employers can go through them and I was lucky enough that someone called me...and everything started from there. I honestly felt that I screwed up the interview. It was a panel interview and they did not at all seem impressed by the things that I had to say. But in the long run, I'm am elated at how everything turned out.

Can't say much more now. But I'm excited for this new chapter in my life to begin. :)

Happy Birthday Little Bro!

My brother is 24 today.

Oh how time flies. It is like it was just yesterday when you were graduating from high school and I from college. But now you're nearing your quarter-life crisis and I'm still looking young. hahahaha...

To many more years of looking younger than you!

Happy happy birthday brother! :)

Chili oh chili

I made chili last night! :) My second time cooking on my own! :) It wasn't bad and the fact that I made something from scratch was fun! I actually had to cook for 2 hours! Obviously something I don't do. hahaha...

The chili wasn't that bad, I got mixed reviews ranging from "It's too spicy!" to "It's not spicy enough!" thanks to the fact that the people I feed have very varied taste preferences. My basis of course would be the bu. When we first started dating he would never even come close to something that was spicy, not even a little bit. But as our relationship grew his taste for spicy food grew as well but his tolerance is still low. So last night's chili was based on his taste. According to him, it had to have some kick. hahaha...

What I realized is difficult for someone who doesn't eat meat and cooks meat dishes is the fact that I can't try the food so I didn't know what it tasted like at all and had to rely on the reaction from the bu. It was quite hard but I guess it's something that I have to get used to cause I sure won't eat meat.

My chili turned out drier than normal (it wasn't really dry but it wasn't what I thought chili should be.) I think it was more so because of all the adjustments I had to make for the taste that I had to keep it on the fire longer than necessary. Learned from that! :)

Next up on my list, tuna pasta. Finally something I can eat! Will tell you all about it next time! Til then, happy eating!

My first foray into the culinary world

I have been obsessing about cooking something more challenging than just scrambled eggs. So I asked Miggy to download a cookbook for me on my touch and that's what got the ball rolling.

After going through it, I settled on a bacon cheeseburger pizza recipe. It was specially chosen because the bu loves ground beef. :) Just a little trivia though, I don't eat meat for a very specific reason and cooking meat is very hypocritical of that reason. But...let me defend myself by saying I am also not someone who forces my beliefs on other people. Meaning I respect their choice to eat meat and because they are the people I was going to feed, I had to respect that as well. It did not mean I was nonchalant about the whole experience. On the contrary, I was very apologetic.

But I digress, I have never been a strong food person. On all levels. I don't eat a lot, I'm very picky, I can't cook to save my own life. But because I have nothing better to do and I promised to make myself better I figured it was time I learned another life skill. :) And I'm happy with the result.

The bacon cheeseburger pizza I made wasn't bad at all. :) I actually did good on my first try, my mom said I just needed to cut the bread more thinly and the bu's only comment is the sauce was weird but I followed the recipe and I used Italian pizza sauce which was probably why. Will try to find other alternatives or actually start from scratch. But it was such a great experience actually being able to say I prepared and cooked everything myself! :)

So tonight I'm making dinner, chili. The bu loves his ground beef and my dad loves beans so I'm hitting two birds with one stone. If I actually get to buy my ingredients. So it's off to the grocery for now. :) My eating public is waiting! hahahaha...

Learning how to cook

I remember taking cooking classes in ICA and loving it except for that day when we cooked squid which I don't eat but had to handle anyway. That was horrible. But cooking and baking classes had to be my favorite. So to add to my list of things to do while I'm in between jobs, I'm going to learn how to cook. No, I'm not going to enroll myself in culinary school, I'm just going to go at it with a cookbook and my positive spirit. hahaha...I'm hoping the people I feed have iron-clad intestines...they might need it.

So any ideas what I should start with?

For the heck of it. :P

Free-IQTest.net - IQ Test">

Wahahahaha...Val I'm more genius than you! :P

Lessons on life, love, family and God...

I was going through my facebook homepage when I came across this blog written by my bestfriend's younger sister. It is about the legacy of their family and I must admit, I am amazed not only because of her family's story but more so because of how she writes. Every aspect of her life, every thing that happens to her, every memory, every conversation, every action is testament to her love for God.

Coming across her blog was very unexpected and very welcome. It is always a nice comforting feeling when someone you know is living their dream. I am happy for her and it gives me hope that I too will get there some day! :)

My take on Valentine's Day the movie...

I spent today relaxing with the Bu. I initially wanted to go out of town but due to the fact that we never plan ahead of time, we didn't have anywhere to go. Yes, we're never prepared.

So we decided to take a relaxing day and do what we normally do. Stay home and watch movies. Today the movie we decided to watch was Valentine's Day, the Hollywood version of what they tried to pull off as Love Actually. But let me tell you first hand, it was nothing like Love Actually.

Love Actually is one of my favorite movies, a feel good movie that makes you think about the people you love and how happy you are to have them. Valentine's Day on the other hand was soooo cynical it wasn't amusing anymore.

Ok, they had cute kids who eventually ended up together. But everything about the movie was predictable. You knew from half way through the movie that Ashton would end up with Jenifer and that Jessica would end up with Jamie. Predictable. I also knew from the moment Patrick said he had to work in Chicago on Valentines Day that he was married. Everything was text book.

For a movie that had so many big names in it, this one was a let down. :( I love happy love story movies. But, I also like movies with twists in the end, take for example Love Me If You Dare. I loved that movie despite the fact that they got buried in concrete. :) It was so much fun and extremely unpredictable. I only wish this had turned out the same way.

Anyway, off to have dinner then head home. :) Til the next movie.

We shall have no better conditions in the future if we are satisfied with all those which we have at present.
- Thomas Edison

My brother the law student.

My brother just finished his first official week in law school and he couldn't stop telling everyone about it. hahaha...:)

Ever since we were young kids, I would always end up in a fight with my younger brother. You see, I'm the middle child (but I'm an only girl so it makes up for the complex...hahaha), Miggy is the youngest most opinionated, brattiest of us all. :P (bawal magcomplain, blog ko to! Gawa ka sarili mo...hahaha! :P) My older brother is the quiet type. He's just gonna let it be. I'm the noisy one, I love bitching and whining and complaining (not all at the same time, I'm not that annoying! :P). Miggy is, well, opinionated. hahaha...he will be sure that you know what he thinks. I think that's part of the reason why he wants to be a lawyer.

Our family has never really been the talk about feelings type of family. We're there for each other but we rarely say it out loud. But let this be my way of proclaiming it to the world, I'm proud of you brother! :) Yay!


My younger brother. The soon to be lawyer! hahaha...ayos. I feel safe!

Good luck on your new chosen career. You're one step closer to your dream. Stay with it. :) I'm here if you need anything, wag lang pera! hahaha...:P

Welcome to civilization

I was browsing through the internet and came upon this article on Yahoo that talked about a photograph of 2 slave boys.



This photo shows how uneducated and little minded people were before. We are sometimes still like that in our society now a days, especially when it comes to accepting the minority or people who grew up away from our social circle.

But despite that, we have still grown a lot and I'm thankful that I was able to live in a generation where being able to share one's ideas and beliefs does not automatically mean being stoned or crucified. :)

To read more on the article go to this address...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100610/ap_on_re_us/us_slavery_photo

***I would have posted a link but I can't seem to figure it out! hahahah